Domino effect

The latest anti-pandemic restrictions imposed on the restaurant sector will also bring other sectors to their knees, including suppliers and, in the short-term, the whole Made in Italy food and agricultural economy.

I usually limit myself to writing about wine and sometimes food. However, those, like myself, who write about a specific sector cannot ignore what is happening in regard to the current pandemic. In my particular case, DoctorWine is dedicated to a sector among the hardest hit by the restrictive measures that have been adopted.

Today we will focus on the serious problems restaurants, bars and wine bars will be facing in light of the latest restrictions imposed by the Italian government. The domino effect these will create will soon hit other, related sectors like suppliers who will no longer be receiving new orders and, in many cases, back payments. Smaller enterprises depend on an almost daily cash flow and they represent a significant albeit fragmented sector of the economy, in many cases local.

It should be clear to all that we are not talking about the “star” restaurants nor luxury goods but everything that up until a few months ago was in an almost emphatic way flaunted as “Italian food excellence” and includes farm products, wine and quality extra-virgin olive oil. In other words, what is often referred to as Made in Italy agricultural products, one of the pillars, along with tourism, fashion and restaurants, which uphold the image of Italy and are the backbone of a significant part of the nation’s economy as well as exports.

While it may seem long ago, the pandemic hit only seven months ago. And if politics still has a role to play, then this is the moment to demonstrate that it is more than just “all talk and no action”. And when I say politics, I mean the whole political world, even those on the opposition given that a sense of responsibility should not be partisan. What needs to be done in the immediate future to interrupt this domino effect in the food and agricultural sector is quite evident. Given that many restaurant operators, wine retailers and bars have faithfully respected previous restrictions, making significant investments to adhere to specific regulations, as well as limiting the number of clients and areas open to the public, they should not be left out on their own to deal with the repercussions of this second wave.

If they have to close or drastically reduce their activities in the name of public health, which goes without question, they must be swiftly and adequately compensated. The sooner the better. Otherwise, their collapse will not be individual but bring down entire food and agricultural economic sectors, those cited for their “excellence”, including quality winemaking, with a severe impact on employment as well. All this is not difficult to understand and action needs to be take quickly.